Taoiseach Opens Refurbished Old Wesley Clubhouse
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, was joined by over 1,500 supporters and officials at the opening of Old Wesley RFC’s newly refurbished clubhouse in Donnybrook last Saturday.
The official opening took place in advance of Old Wesley’s Ulster Bank League Division 1B clash with Dolphin which the home side won 21-10, and was also attended by IRFU President Stephen Hilditch.
The opening ceremony marked years of hard work by members on a voluntary basis to refurbish the clubhouse that has not been upgraded since its original construction in 1969.
The refurbished clubhouse was constructed at a cost of just over €;1,300,000,with Old Wesley benefiting from support of the Sports Capital Grant and substantial contributions from members. No bank debt was taken on by the club to finance the ambitious project that sees a substantial extension of the club’s bar and catering facilities, the construction of four top of the range dressing rooms, as well as new medical and shower facilities, to help support the club’s aim to widen its appeal to new members, male and female, across the community.
The new development will go hand in hand with Leinster Rugby’s recent installation of two top of the range 4G all-weather pitches in Donnybrook two years ago. Donnybrook will be a central selling point as part of the IRFU’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup, as it will serve as a top class training and preparation facility for competing teams.
Speaking at the opening, the Taoiseach congratulated the members and supporters of the club, saying: “Old Wesley is one of Ireland’s most famous clubs with a proud history and ambitious plans for their future and for the future of the game of rugby in Ireland. I am delighted to open this state-of-the-art facility and I wish everyone associated with Old Wesley all the best for the future.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of Old Wesley RFC, David Pierce, remarked: “It is a huge honour for the club to have An Taoiseach open our new clubhouse in what is the 125th anniversary of the club’s foundation.
“The new development was the product of many years of hard work by members on a voluntary basis and we are delighted to have received the support of so many individuals in making this dream a reality, particularly the Government who provided key funding through the Sports Capital Grant.
“Old Wesley is an ambitious club and we want all our teams from mini rugby to 1st XV to be successful on the pitch and for as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the game as part of our club.”
